Wildfire

Learn how to mitigate and prevent wildfire and subsequent damage to your property.

Emergency Evacuation Plans Must Include Your Pets

Oklahoma once again is in the midst of major wildfires in the western part of the state. Fire has consumed more than 366,000 acres with no end in sight.

Emergency Planning Should Include Developing Key Safety Skills

Assemble an emergency kit? Check. Make a family emergency plan and practice until everyone knows what to do and where to go? Done.

Evacuating in the Event of Wildfire

Oklahomans know first-hand the devastation and destruction a wildfire can cause. Families in the path of dangerous blazes often leave or are ordered to evacuate their homes for safety reasons.

Fire Facts

Facts about wildfire, prescribed fire, fire safety, resources and OSU experts.

Flipping the Switch on Power Outages

Power outages happen, but families do not have to be left in the dark when the lights go out.

It is Wise to be Firewise

Fire in Oklahoma is extremely beneficial. It restores grasslands and controls unwanted species. It is a natural process that provides habitat for certain wildlife.

Moisture Effects on Wildfire

Moisture content effects wildfires and their probability. It is important to be prepared and stay up to date on wildfire probability.

Advanced Planning Vital Before Disaster Strikes

What will you and your family do when a disaster strikes? It is a good idea to know the answer to that question since Oklahomans can face everything from violent tornadoes to debilitating ice storms to raging wildfires.

Use Zone Concept to Protect Home from Wildfires

More than 830,000 acres of land across Oklahoma have burned so far this month due to wildfires. Lives, homes, livestock and crops have been lost in the devastation.

Using a Fire Extinguisher

It only takes a short, few minutes for a spark to grow into a blaze. Knowing when and how to use a fire extinguisher can help save lives and property.

Wildfire: Preparing the Ranch and Farm

The time to be thinking about protecting your home, barns, personal items and land is not as the fire is heading towards your property, but long before smoke is seen or smelled.

Wildfires In Oklahoma

With the increase in the number of wildfires and acres burned, it is becoming more important to understand what conditions present the highest fire danger in order to prevent the loss of life and property.

Properly Maintaining an Emergency Preparedness Kit

Oklahoma families are strongly encouraged to prepare ahead of any potential natural disaster or possible crisis by setting aside some food and basic supplies as part of an emergency kit. But, in order for these kits to be truly effective, they do require a bit of light annual maintenance.

Assessing Damage Outside and Inside of Homes After a Wildfire

Oklahomans affected by a wildfire may be wondering what to look for inside and outside when assessing the damage to their homes.

Avoid Potentially Deadly Hazards After A Natural Disaster

In the aftermath of a natural disaster, it often takes time for life to return to normal for affected families. During that recovery period families should remain aware of several potentially deadly hazards.

Composting May Be Timely Solution for Disposal of Dead Livestock and Large Animals

Wildfires that blazed their way through parts of central and northwestern Oklahoma recently highlight the need to act quickly to dispose of livestock and other large animal carcasses.

Disaster Losses and Related Tax Rules

What to do with losses to property, the process used to determine if there is a deductible loss, how insurance proceeds and cost share benefits are treated, and how to reconstruct records to document a loss.

Do Not Forget About Post-Wildfire Trauma in Livestock

Adrenaline-fueled panic and confusion may still be affecting livestock even after the flames of recent wildfires have passed, meaning producers need to use caution when working with the animals.

Farm Stress - Resources to Improve your Mental Well-Being

Mental health resources for farmers, their families and their communities to help improve mental well-being.

Fire Effects: Fencing

Findings from several studies that investigated the impacts of fire on fencing materials in grasslands.

Fire Effects in Native Plant Communities

Most of Oklahoma’s native prairies, shrublands, and forests are out of balance because of fire suppression. Since natural fires no longer happen as frequently, prescribed fire is an ecological driver that can be used to restore ecosystems and landscapes to their historical diversity and productivity.

Follow State-Approved Methods for Burying Carcasses of Livestock Killed by Wildfires

Recent wildfires have left some agricultural producers contemplating burial of deceased animals as the most expedient way of disposing of livestock carcasses.

FSA Offers Programs for Livestock Loss Due to Wildfires

This program is known as the Livestock Indemnity Program (LIP).

Management After Wildfire

Land management practices that may be used by landowners to implement after experiencing wildfire on their property.

Mental Health Resources in Counties

Find a list of local resources for mental and behavioral health, substance abuse and addictions, counseling, nonprofit organizations, religious groups, family violence and financial planning.

Paying Attention to Mental Health during Wildfire Recovery

After losing so much, families affected by the wildfires sweeping across western Oklahoma may be feeling emotionally overwhelmed, which raises the need to pay attention to potential mental health concerns.

Preserving Land After a Wildfire

Oklahomans continue to be reminded of the devastation that can come with wildfire. While homes, structures and livestock can be lost, landowners who rely on grasslands, shrublands and forests as an enterprise are left trying to figure out how to recover the vegetation and habitat.

Removing Smoke Odor Following a Fire

Many parts of Oklahoma recently experienced devastating wildfires. Some families lost their homes, while other homes and structures in the path of the flames were spared.

Safe Water, Food and Medicine Important After Wildfire

After a wildfire, the safety of water and food as well as medications are at the top of the priority list for affected families.

Western District Fires

On February 26, 27 and 28, 2024, high winds and low humidity created ideal conditions for wildfires that spread rapidly across the Texas Panhandle and into western Oklahoma.

Preparing For Wildfire Season

John Weir, OSU Extension fire ecologist, offers advice on preparing your home and property for wildfire season.

Disaster Preparedness & Recovery

Amy Hagerman, OSU Extension ag policy specialist, provides guidance on disaster preparedness and recovery. She covers insurance records, inventory tips, evacuation plans, loss documentation protocols and more.

Handling Livestock after Fire

OSU Extension Veterinarian Barry Whitworth offers advice on handling livestock injured by fire.

Life After Wildfire

SUNUP heads to Woods County, where John Weir shows us how the landscape has transformed since fire ravaged the area one year ago.

Preserving Land After Wildfire

OSU Fire Ecologist John Weir shares helpful tips for your land after a wildfire.

Weather, Drought and Soil Moisture

Gary McManus, State Climatologist, presents "Understanding the ENSO Weather Pattern;" Brad Rippey, USDA Meteorologist, discusses "US Drought Monitor and USDA Financial Assistance Programs;" and Wes Lee, Mesonet Ag Coordinator, shares "Using Oklahoma Mesonet Soil Moisture Tools."

Wildfire Preparation Going into Dry Season (Fall/Winter)

Fire Ecologist John Weir has information on how to prepare for a wildfire on your property.

Extension

Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfire Recovery Resources

Video Resources